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A COUNTRY'S FRUSTRATION, FUELLED OVERNIGHT-CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE

A Country’s Frustration, Fueled Overnight
By CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE





ON New Year’s Day, in my ancestral hometown of Abba in Anambra State in eastern Nigeria, my family and I woke up to unbelievable news: the price of petrol had doubled. Overnight, the government had removed what it called the subsidy on fuel, and almost immediately, transport fares exploded and food prices rose astronomically. It used to cost 4,000 naira — about $25 — to fill my petrol tank. Then it cost 10,000 naira. When I stopped to buy okpa, a steam-cooked bean dish, from a street hawker, she said it was no longer 50 naira; it was now 100.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because of fuel subsidy.”

A relative who had traveled to her village for the holidays called me to say that she was stranded there, unable to return to her job in Lagos; she could not afford the bus fare, which had doubled in price.

Nigeria, one of the world’s biggest exporters of crude oil, does not have adequate refineries and so it imports most of its petrol. The government claims that it pays a subsidy to importers to keep the prices low, and that these companies defraud the government by inflating their costs. Perhaps that is true, but it is a strange reason for raising prices, as though the government is incapable of policing fraud. Politicians have long discussed ending the subsidy, but no one expected it to happen when and how it did. There was something frightening about the abruptness of such a dramatic change, a sense of lurching, a violent uncertainty that captured the general mood in Nigeria.

Nigerians, particularly in the heavily Muslim north, live in fear of violence from the Islamist group Boko Haram. More than a hundred people have been shot to death or killed in bombings in recent weeks. My uncle, who lived most of his adult life in the northern town of Maiduguri, recently moved back east after a Boko Haram bomb exploded mere feet from his bookshop. Now he is struggling to start over, a man past middle age, grasping for hope. I saw him on New Year’s Day. He said he had only barely been able to afford the rent for a new shop in Awka, our state capital, and now he had to deal with the new price of petrol — he will have to spend much more on transportation and, since there is hardly ever any electricity, on the generator to power his shop. “How will I cope?” he asked.

Many government officials argued that the price increase would eventually benefit Nigerians, but they were unable to clearly articulate how. They made economic arguments that were abstract at best and nonsensical at worst. Sometimes the arguments conflicted: on one hand, we were told that the government would go bankrupt if it continued to pay the subsidy, and on the other, we were told that the subsidy would still be spent, this time on “infrastructure,” a vague word if ever there was one. Only yesterday, the government announced it would restore some part of the subsidy.

Like many Nigerians, I am infuriated — and puzzled — by the actions of a government that appears to be indifferent to if not contemptuous of its people. The idea that in a democracy, the government needs to persuade the majority of its citizens, eludes our leaders, perhaps because of the stubborn legacy of military rule, which ended only in 1998. We civilians, in turn, deeply distrust the government, because of our long experience with corrupt leaders. It is obvious that this price increase, the abruptness of it, the murky justifications for it, the government’s inability to properly engage about it, the destructive consequences it will have for millions in a country where there are few government services, will only further calcify the cynicism of a people who are already very cynical. Yet our leaders did it anyway. The message sent to Nigerians is this: You don’t matter. We don’t value you.

Economic arguments are useful, but so are human arguments, which seem alarmingly lost on the Nigerian government. Prices have gone up but salaries remain the same. A driver in Lagos who earns 25,000 naira, about $152 a month, would have had to spend almost three-quarters of his salary on transportation to and from work, and this is before he would have to pay for food and, if he has children, for school fees. In Nigeria we like to say that we can “manage,” but it is almost impossible to see how many people could manage that.

We are an oil-producing nation and it is not unreasonable for Nigerians to expect affordable petrol, nor is it unreasonable for Nigerians to expect more from a democratic government. A friend of mine, after calculating how much she would now spend getting to work in Lagos, said, with her eyes alive with rage, “Our senators make $100,000 a month if you count their salaries and allowances. A month! In dollars! They live in government houses and have government cars. And none of them pay for their own petrol.”

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the author, most recently, of “The Thing Around Your Neck,” a collection of short stories.

FELA DUROTOYE REVISITS THE F.S.R DRAMA

As I watched the events of the last 36hours unfold, I have had to explain to my wife and children why I am so silent, so angry and so sad at the same time?

My silence comes from being in awe as I witness the unprecedented yet amazing collaboration of MILITARY and MILITANTS in accomplishing a common goal... to silence the voice of the people.

I am so angry that precious lives have been lost as ordinary citizens protested against an unjust policy that was clearly not thought-through and yet, our President describes these fallen heroes as the "adverse effects" of the protest.

I am angry that our President made so many open-ended promises without clear deliverables or deadlines and thought we would be gullible and simple-minded enough to say OK.

I am so angry that in a hard-earned democratic dispensation, our elected officials went into the barracks and cantonments to invite the very same soldiers (who we fought to return to the barracks) unto the streets against unarmed protesters while armed bandits, militants and terrorists express themselves freely without being muzzled by the military might of our government.

But then I am also very sad because I've watched this charade play out itself many times before (without the novelty of the military and the militants.)

Like I articulated in my facebook message (of January 5, 2012,) on this issue of fuel subsidy removal, this script has been acted out too many times for us to have forgotten how the charade ends.

Act 1 Scene 1:
Government (hints but) suddenly announces the increase in the pump price of petroleum products.

Act 1 Scene 2:
The people are angry about Government feeble excuses and explanations asking people to pay more because they can't confront the corrupt system that makes it unsustainable to keep fuel prices low .

Act 2 Scene 1:
Organised labour and trade union sense that it is time to bring out the capes and harken to the people's cry for super-heroes.

You know the rest of the story... don't you?

Government gets a court injuction restraining labour from embarking on a strike.

Labour disobeys the unjust injunctions and go out to exercise their constitutional rights to call an unemployed populace to mass action.

The youth, the homeless, the poor and the unemployed come out en-mass and protest.

Labour makes public declarations of the position of the people.

Government invites labour to closed door meetings. Something (we call negotiation) happens behind the closed doors.

Labour emerges from closed door meetings and declares a deadlock.

Govt goes ahead to REDUCE but NOT REVERSE pump price.

Labour suspends strike. Employers are happy to get their staff back to work. Everybody gets back on the Rat Race (All motion, No Movement...I think the better way to put it is win-win!!!

The only people that lose and suffer are the poor and unemployed who we all said would lose more if we continue the struggle against pump price increments.

We never go 'backward' to collect our stolen funds from the corrupt officials and the cabals well known to the government.
Rather, we choose to go 'forward' to rob our poor, feeble and voiceless forever and forget them until its time to bring them out to 'negotiate' another unjust policy.

So we are back to where it all began...

ASUU continues its strike and no one notices the degenerating young minds wasting away in our homes and on our streets.

LASU school fees still increased by 900% and admission now costing 250,000 Naira for newly admitted students seeking an education to prepare their minds for the future.

The Nigerian Medical Association and doctors must now return back to their death centers (oops.. I meant health centers) and continue to watch helplessly as hopeless patients die from preventable systemic decay rather than the diseases that brought them to the hospital.

Some of us will now go back to the LEKKI TOLL GATES and continue to pay toll, since we now have protest-fatigue. In any case, no one remembers why we were fighting against the unjust tolling of a road that was built by LKJakande with tax payers money and now refurbished by concessionaires. What's the big deal? Let the government continue to collect our taxes to build other roads and we continue to pay tolls to drive on our own (sorry...LCC's) road.

Really...I am sad and angry because after all said and done, nothing has changed... Except for the price of fuel from 65 to 97Naira per liter.
Still no refineries, no good roads, no power, no portable water, corrupt officials still in office as they continue 'partnering' with their cabals.
Investigations without conclusion. Accusations without prosecution. And the world keeps going round and round.

So when is real change going to come?

As I stated in my earlier message on Jan 5, 2012, the change we need is not just policy. It is in the quality of mind and persons at policy making positions.

Without a doubt, our change will come the day our Brightest and Best minds silently RESOLVE that Enough is Enough of mediocrity in policy-making positions and begin to prepare to occupy positions (and not just parks) through the electoral process.

So how will we effectively deliver sustainable desired-change?

WE NEED A CRITICAL MASS OF NEW NIGERIANS TO TAKE HOLD OF EVERY LEVEL OF POLICY MAKING POSITIONS BY 2015. Not a few good men and women whose voices will get drowned in the cacophony of mediocrity.

Let our brightest and best brains begin serious preparations NOW. Don't wait till 2014 to decide you want to make a change by running for office in 2015. It will be too late if you don't start NOW!!!!

As we keep up the pressure for good governance, let another set of emerging leaders (with a heart for the nation and a love for the people) arise and begin to prepare for 2015. We must encourage, train, mentor and empower the right people to go where few dare.

I have committed my life to raise and prepare as many exemplary leaders of excellence to take over the various policy making positions at all levels of governance (federal, state and local)- executive and legislative.

This is only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. The real Nigerian spring is going to be in April 2015.

Until we change the quality of people in policy-making positions, we won't yet have real and lasting victory.

Don't get it twisted... The 2015 elections is going to be the opportunity for the real Nigerian Spring.

The real question is ...Will we be ready to bring the real change we've always desired with the same zeal and fervor as we show now?

Please don't let today's passion die tomorrow.
The struggle continues today, tomorrow and forever. We WILL deliver the future!

God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NIGHT OF CALLOUS THRUST-BY JOY ISI BEWAJI

The night is black, like troubled death seeking a spouse. Ukpa’s lips quaver as darkness summons its escorts – a bat peeking through the thatched window, male crickets chirping, contemplating delicious sex. Anxious sweat dance in a pond formed close to her head; her trembling right hand clutches on to a wrapper, dragging it from its wearer; the left digs up moist sand from the earth. Her wail is cowed by rough hands pressing her down, causing sweat to surge.

‘No cry,’ the old woman says, wiping off sweat from her brow, ‘no cry’.

Ukpa dances to the pain thumping behind her back, her waist, her joints.

A small breeze arrives, alarming the candle light gleaming from the corner. She can hear her heartbeat, and the whispers around her. They hold their wrappers to their chest, these women, shaking their heads, beating their breasts, mournful voices.

This soot night, one can not make out faces. The women loiter in every corner of the tiny hut.

It is the same coal darkness that overwhelmed that night, at the pathway. Ukpa could not make out his beastly face; his arms had grabbed her from behind.

‘Ye!’ Her exclamation was greeted by a slap so stinging it threw her to the ground. She dug into the earth, wet soil crammed in her nails; pounds of sweat dropped by her side; chills of horror remembered, made worse by this night, a night as black as death.

It is the same feeling – of life and of waste.

‘Push!’ the old woman cries, holding on to Ukpa’s legs; she is one of the strong-willed ones who did not stand afar but held her down with legs wide apart watching her uterus.

Agonizing. Like that night, her fingers dug into his back as he smothered her beneath his mass. Equal pain.

She hears thunder; will it rain on a sad night such as this‌

Puuuuush! another command, the voice as severe as that night. The night when he ordered her, ‘open your legs!’

‘Eeeeeee!’ throbbing headache. Pain stabbing in all directions, just like that night of callous thrust.

‘Eeeeeee,’ again, biting the rough hands, blood spewing, but this time no slap. The old woman did not slap her like he did.

‘I see the head,’ the old woman shouts; a smile, at once, wiped away by sorrow heavy as lead.

Ukpa is pulling at her wet hair, soft in her palms like cotton wool; she pulls harder so the pain measures with her torment. Until a nippy blop spews the baby out.

The tiny thing lets out an ear-splitting shrill, Ukpa shuts her eyes, and again she hears herself screaming as he pounced on her, ravaging her, eating her soul.

‘A girl,’ the women whisper.

Another victim.

May her breasts shrivel like a cursed vine; may her buttocks be as coarse stone, repulsive to touch; may she be ugly as sin, like debris there is nothing left to ruin.

HOW TO PLAN THE WOW EVENT IN 2012

HOW TO PLAN THE ‘WOW’ EVENT IN 2012-BY TAYO ADEJUMO

As we begin the new year, lots of event professionals will be beginning to plan events or pitch for new ones.If the event in question is an annual event then sometimes it can be difficult to come up with fresh ideas that will keep your clients and guests happy or simply help you win the business.
Here's our latest blog post which will help you with ways to inject new life into an event.

3 Tips For Planning a Succesful Event in 2012

1. Go Over the Top. To achieve the extraordinary in anything you have to put the extra in the Ordinary things you do, that will give you the WoW effect for your Clients or guest. There is absolutely nothing wrong in going over the top once in a while, Lady Gaga is widly famous for her extravagant and over the top looks or Videos. So on every little detail go way over the top and I can guranteee you a WOWzer effect, your clients, their guests will give you more than a thumbs up,because it will be in their memory till someone else tops your over the top.

Less means More.
2. As much as going over the top can give you the WOW effect so does bare give you a more extraordinary feeling and result. When you make bare your theme for your event it will give you a classical rich result. Ok take for example, an all white event, I mean all white with a White lily flower centerpiece and a White Chocolate Condiments, I can hear your WoW already, its all white and its Bare or Nude Chairs and tables with candle arrangement. Work on your own bare, let your inner peace guide you and for professionals, take your clients back to where it all began. Remember the most beautiful things in life are the simple things, some of them are even free. T Less is More.

3. Go with Nature.
Nature is a beautiful gift from God and it comes in 5 major colours, yellow for the sun, blue for the water, white for the wind, gray for the moon and green for the trees. Each of these Nature elements are what you can play with and marry into any event for your client or for yourself. U may choose to do a green eco friendly event, or a Sunshine Party, Fly to the moon theme. Now this is you thinking Outside the Box with Shootingly Brave Ideas, Mearge any Nature to you or your Client, go with the one that speaks YOU, or that Speaks your Client. For a Vivid example you Client is water producing Company how else Can u Wow them by creating a little Fountain as Centerpiece, or Renting a huge Aqurium as Center of attraction and making the Colour of the Light Blue. Or You are Sunny Person, Create a Sunflower effect, by using just the Colour in everything, and of Cos Sunflowers as flower of the day. Am sure you get the Magic so go with the Flow.

This year, with the economy and financial challenges these tips will make you earn more and spend less.

Well till next time, plan an exciting and amazingly successful event with these tips.
Have a wow event !

BEAZY-BUSY MAKING HEADLINES

Beazy is a phenomenal young Nigerian rapper who is blazing the trail in the Nigerian music industry. But as he admits, being a good rapper doesn’t quite cut it these days. In a time when the world seems to be brimming with rap talent, a lot of things set him apart from the horde. It goes way beyond his witty punch lines, catchy hooks or even his cool demeanour on a song. It also extends to his perfectionist approach to music and his work ethic. In just three years, he has amassed an archive of close to 250 recorded songs and is still recording regularly a pointer to the Nigerian work ethic.Little wonder he seem to be everywhere these days.Read up his interview in today's edition of SUCCESS DIGEST-PG 6.Be inspired!

OCCUPY TILL I COME

OCCUPY TILL I COME-Pastor Tony Rapu


Following the Government’s removal of the subsidy on petroleum products, Nigeria has been convulsed by widespread protests. Citizens are taking to the streets and airwaves to air their vehement opposition in the strongest possible but peaceful terms. Unfortunately, the protests have not been without loss of life, politicization of the issues, and hijack by miscreants. Petrol pump prices have jumped by more than one hundred percent, and collateral increases will surely affect transport, food and other areas. To most Nigerians, the Government’s move deepens the intense economic hardship they already grapple with. This is a chance to voice and act out the people’s dissatisfaction with the insensitivity and corruption in Government. In reality, the protests have taken on a life of their own and the issues have gone beyond increased petrol prices. They have become the cry of a nation in its birth pangs; the travail of a people desperate to take back their nation from the hands of kleptocrats.

Many are inquiring about the apparent silence of Christian leaders, in the face of the intensified suffering of the people and the wave of activism sweeping the Nation. More vehement critics have accused the clergy of being turncoats, callous and insensitive people who are beholden to corrupt officials and therefore unwilling to stand with the masses to resist injustice. The people are angry, possibly like no other time before now, and are calling into serious question, the credibility of Christian leaders, politicians and others in positions of authority.

But we must be careful not to conclude that all clergy who are reticent about public protests or opposition to the Government have been bought over by politicians. Many such leaders are uninformed, politically, and thus remain passive about policy development, despite heightened awareness in some issue areas. This might be due to their ministry training and understanding of the Christian mission. Many, concerned about slipping into a social gospel and a misconception of the Church’s role in society, have avoided involvement in social action. Other leaders may be silent because of their felt need to balance the imperative of spiritual awareness with their social responsibility. They may recognize the twin demands of personal righteousness and social justice: that on the one hand, we have a responsibility to pray for the Nation and its rulers, engage in intercession, prophetic acts and spiritual warfare – yet simultaneously translate these into action in the public arena, policy and government.

The Bible teaches that God intervenes in the affairs of men and charts the course of nations and peoples. As such, these leaders are aware of their responsibility to communicate the need to be sensitive to God’s movement and agenda, and to allow such sensitivity guide our actions as citizens and as members of the society. These are not “either/or” propositions. Christians must operate with both sensibilities. There can be no such thing as being so spiritual as to cease involvement in society. Conversely, we must not become so submerged in social action, that we lose prophetic awareness and sensitivity to the urgings of the Spirit of God.

There is a place for prayer, but there is also a place for seeking accuracy of governance in society. We must enthrone the virtues of God’s Kingdom, infuse systems and institutions with the right ethics and mentalities, and ensure public policies are grounded in the right ethical and theoretical frameworks. The development of righteousness in the soul parallels the construction of a just society. Therefore, throughout the Bible, we see God’s unmistakable concern for both personal righteousness and social justice.

It should be acknowledged that some pastors have opened the door to criticism through uncritical alignment with politicians. They may assume that such liaisons signal influence and authority in society. These leaders have thus earned the ire of the masses for refusing to condemn the same politicians when they do wrong. Certainly, the judgment of our Nation’s decadence will involve a judgment of any unholy alliances between corrupted power and corrupted clergy.

There is also a category of leaders for whom social activism is uncertain, unfamiliar territory. Unsure of the nuances and details of politics and economics, they are unwilling to dabble into matters of which they are uncomfortable and do not have the requisite competencies. This group sees the need for activism, and their awareness of the generalities permits them to make measured pronouncements of support and understanding for the activists; however, they know too little to become hands on activists, and so limit their utterances to the pulpit. The rationale is that it does one no credit to engage in a fight in which he lacks the requisite information or conviction.

Clergymen are expected to stand in opposition to injustice and corruption, and to defend the downtrodden. Happily, activism can take different forms, from participating in street protests to direct involvement in party politics, or even pursuing social change by working with the poor and disenfranchised, providing amenities where Government has failed to do so.

There is also the place of combating the negative ideas and value systems that sustain the corruption and degeneracy that we bemoan in society. Opposition to evil is not only physical; it is spiritual, moral and intellectual. Those who are opposed to evil and desire change should therefore be gracious to one another; for we are essentially on the same side, differing only in our choice of strategies and the means of effecting revolution and transformation. There is room enough for tactical variety in tackling societal ills. Some pastors are much more comfortable in direct social activism, because of their temperaments, experience and callings. Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King Jnr. and Janani Luwum (the Ugandan Archbishop murdered by Idi Amin in 1977) are examples of clergy who vigorously resisted racism, apartheid and oppression. In any event, we cannot expect absolute unanimity from Christian leaders on all social and political issues.

Jesus said to His disciples “Occupy till I come”. He wanted Christians to infiltrate world systems and operate in every sphere; from corridors of power in government to the catwalks of the fashion industry, operating as ‘salt’ and ‘light’ and sanitizing the world…until the “kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord” and “the knowledge of God covers the earth as the waters cover the seas”.

The question of a person’s public activism also rests on where he is on his own personal spiritual odyssey. Clergymen who are reluctant to publicly challenge the status quo may quite simply not have attained conviction about public witness and prophetic activism. Contrary to popular belief, pastors are not all-knowing oracles. They also have to mature into their callings. However from a Christian perspective, there is a time when more prayer becomes spiritual escapism, just as there is also a time when social action guided by nothing more than raw emotion and adrenalin becomes an ineffectual “striving in the flesh”. There is a time to withdraw in order to obtain fresh spiritual and moral strength for the struggle. This was Jesus’ method. He said He only did what He saw the Father do. There is also a time to stop praying and actualize what has been received in prayer. As with all things, the key is discernment of what is needful for each season, and striking the appropriate balance.

Ultimately, the project of redeeming a nation, like that of individual salvation, is a journey rather than a destination. Our constant posture should be the empowerment of Christians to act as agents of renewal implementing the redemption of society, systems and structures. Pastors should equip people with tools with which to accurately decipher their roles and increase their impact in society.

The Church shapes the character and thinking of the people, who in turn shape the character and direction of the Nation. It is said that America’s greatness was rooted in the churches. However, it was not just any church, but those whose pulpits were aflame with the message of righteousness, and a message encompassing all of life. To “occupy”, whether in the activist sense of protesting governmental corruption, or the apostolic sense of transforming earthly institutions into zones of peace and prosperity – is our calling.

TOP TIPS FOR SUCEEDING IN THE MAKE UP BUSINESS ACCORDING TO MILLICENT

Passion And Enthusiasm- The love for the trade keeps it rolling, good or bad times..I am always strong… for this trade the race aint for the swift but for the strong… your strength is needed all the time.. Tighten your belt; every good work requires time.

1. Trust- you have to earn the trust of you Clients, by delivering accurate and durable services , I have learned to work with time, its better to early than late.

2. Tolerance- This is KEY, ability to tolerate people, not everyone has etiquette, so expect the worst, but i always take charge... as an entrepreneur I call the shorts

3. Patience- As an entrepreneur you have to get ready to stand in the days of famine also when it’s all rosy, tackle the business, rule and take charge @all times.

4. Wisdom- A man with wisdom conquers all ideas, always informed, always wanting to try something new, befitting and profitable.

5. Information- I try always to stay informed, to see what’s new, I get refreshed and modernized, because make up doesn’t change but its being modernize time to time. A wise person would keep an eye in and the other out. Meet with top other beauticians see what they use, I attend seminars, work shops etc.

6. Versatile- 1 thing I never do is stay put to one beauty product, I use different cosmetics which helps you stay connected to varieties and helps choose the best also gives you an opportunity to study them all… in short socialize.

7. Respect- Amongst all respect your superiors, elders even the younger colleagues. This gave me room for improvement.

8. Spending Cash- Be willing to spend, sometimes my debit is more than my credits, I always try to re invest over 50% back in the trade, when I read of good products I buy, I always buy; I never stop buying.

9. Differentiate Business from friendship- I always know when to be serious and when to play… the ones that are willing to pay more for the services rendered are the friends not those that are keep asking for free or a discount. I tell people I don’t do LOW BUDGETS, I rather do it free. The moment you start jeopardizing your work strength for free bees, that the day your business crumbles. I’d rather charge what works for me … I do not follow the price list of other make up artist.

10. Networking- I watch you tube video’s of foreign make up artist in the act, videos.. Visit Google and all other means of networking.. I always want to be aware of what is going on, how it’s done in various countries.

Dare to be different, be distinct from other, be unique, be distinguished..Create your own, the world is watching..

OCCUPY NIGERIA:WHEN CELEBRITIES BECOME ACTIVISTS

OCCUPY NIGERIA
(When celebrities become activists)

Blood stains were still visible on the scenes of the christmas day ‘s bombings, when President Goodluck Jonathan removed the fuel subsidy on the first day of the new year.Accordiing to Tv personality, Funmi Iyanda:’What governments do is that on the first day of the year , they try and give hope to their people .You don’t slap them in the face .So it was very callous , the way it was done.It just showed a complete insensitivity to the hardship the people are going through’.Nigerians woke up on the dawn of a new year to hear the tragic news of the removal of fuel subsidy from the lowly 65naira to 141naira to the chagrin of the citizenry.

The undeniable fact is that people know more about Banky W than they know about G.E.J.Celebs have our undivided jealous attention.We thrust on them the weight of rolemodels for hitting the right chords in our music,crafting memorable punchlines in their rap, and saying our favourite lines in a movie.It was a great sight seeing our favourites celebs lending their voices , protesting against the removal of the fuel subsidy.Their engagement and involvement in the various protests and rallies, increased the social relevance of the issue, generated a lot of public interest and on the other hand will serve as a tool to increase their credibility.

In his Twitter message,Chocolate city’s producer Jesse jags says:’Where are my fellow artistes friends today?This is the only important thing now , no more songs or videos.Let’s fight for us..Nigeria’.The marriage between Arts and activism cannot be underestimated.Celebrities are towncriers who satirize social foibles in order to make human scoiety and living worthwhile.Fela Kuti, the Afro beat legend used his music to comment on the social climate during the military era.Little wonder his music became a driving force , providing the necessary motivation for the celebs and the other well meaning Nigerians to make their voices heard during the protests.High Life artiste Flavour N’abania released Ebezina ‘A battle cry’ in support of the citizenry’s fight against the government policy.

Seun Kuti, during one of the OccupyNigeria protests said:’its been a long time since Nigerians came out enmasse like this.I guess its because its not a sex issue or a tribal issue .Its something that affects us all.’The likes of Banky w, Dede Mabiaku,Kwam1, Funmi iyanda, Fela Durotoye,Bimbo Akintola, Jide Kosoko, Vector, Terry tha Rapman,Omobaba,Toyosi Akerele, Steve harris, Praise fowowe, , Ruggedman, W4, were part of the numerous celebs who leveraged on their fame and popularity pushing for change , advocating for the removal of the fuel subsidy.In his massively publicised facebook note Fela Durotoye says:’How will a wasteful government suddenly realise the genius of prudence and making the right investment decisions? .History has taught us that government increase fuel prices, students riot, labour union strike, and then after a couple of weeks , the government reduce the prices but never to its original prices’

Our celebs, whether from the music, movies,advocacy and empowerment arm of the nation ,have proved with their involvement in the fuel subsidy protests that they are not just about popping champagnes in their videos,strutting red carpets in their favourites designer outfits, churning out motivational messages, reciting their movie lines,that they care about the Nigerian project and the Nigerian people.They have shown that they are human after all and they feel what the purewater seller on the street feels, and they are willing to sacrifice in the birthing of a new Nigeria.This is the beginning of the change our nation has been crying for.I pray this is sustained.

Kehinde Ajose is a talent development coach and a media publicist.He is reachable @splendidkenny01@yahoo.com.http;/kehindeajose.blogspot.com

World class graphics

9 DATING QUESTIONS MEN ARE DYING TO ASK BY JOY ISI BEWAJI

There are a couple of questions men are desperately dying to ask their women but it’s not so easy to just spill them out; you never know the kind of reaction an innocent question might trigger; something as simple as, ‘why do you have stretch marks all over your bum?’ Can trigger a no-sex-for-one-year response, so guys are careful.

I took the liberty to ask 9 guys just what they’d like to ask their women if it came with no repercussion; and I, as the female representative, gave freely the answers. You might find them controversial; but anyway here they are…

Q: Why do women wear heels so high they can barely walk in them?

A: I know you’ve seen women fall flat on their nose because they had four-inch heels on their soles. Nevertheless, high heels do make a woman more attractive. Her legs look longer, her strides are classier which would also aid the wriggle of her hips. See? A pair of heels has the ability to accentuate the female form causing the back to arch and pushing her bosom forward. Women feel sexy on heels. It gets her noticed because it takes her inches taller, and men love the exaggerated form of a woman, so it works. Heels elongate the legs, straighten the posture (thus pushing out the chest) and lift the bum.

In the fashion industry, when they say, ‘a woman can leave her house only in high heels,’ it translates to the fact that a pair of nice heels can save a woman’s look. She can put on just about anything, but with the right heels (and bag) she is transformed, miraculously!

Nobody said fashion would be easy, but it’s a lot of fun! Fine, we all know that high heels are very uncomfortable; they kill the ankle and leave you with an aching back! But who cares, as long as it makes you a sexy kitten for the hour, it’s fine!

Why does the average girl think I have to be grateful for sex? Don’t women enjoy sex too?

The brother disappearing after sex is so typical that it makes no headline anymore. Yes we do enjoy sex; however your attitude towards it elicits our detachment. Very often men walk out of a relationship after ‘a few sex’ (I know the guys would like an extensive talk on how untrue this is, but let’s leave that for another day), so that keeps the woman wary. She isn’t so sure if she should give in, even when she is dying to, because she’s afraid of losing you too soon; losing the sparks that come with your voice, afraid that the twinkle in your eyes will fade away, that you wouldn’t call as often as you normally would. So when she gives in, even though she is a willing participant, she is counting down to doom’s day – when it will come back and hit her right on the ass!

As women, we always believe a man’s desire is premature – he wants the sex before even getting to know your last name! On the reverse women want to know every single little detail about you before ‘getting down’.

Why do women wear too much makeup?

Apart from the many masquerades around with conflicting colours in and around the face; women wear makeup to feel sexy and look more attractive and feminine. Make up enhances our features, and we tend to hide some of the features that we find unappealing with makeup. Women express themselves through makeup; like high heels, it makes us more confident. Lines and wrinkles can be hidden temporarily with makeup; blemishes can disappear after applying makeup. So yes, we do feel a whole lot comfortable with some foundation and a dab of lip gloss.

Why oh why does a girl say ‘no’ when she really wants to scream ‘yes’?

It’s all in the chase, dude! You are the hunter and we are the elegant deer, see? It is a little too boring when she pops an excited ‘yes’ after the first date. So we go round in circles, until you ask and ask and bite your tongue! You might not know this, but deep down you love the chase, the thrill of the uncertain – whether you’ll get her or not, it’s almost orgasmic! So we do the whole hard-to-get for your own excitement (since we know you like the suspense). No man likes it easy; the whole exercise is lacklustre when it comes in a tray.

PS: but we do know the rules have changed! The era has brought with it a different set of rules. Women have the power now to do whatever you think was impossible a decade ago; like walk up to a guy at a bar and tell him just how much she’d like to give him a massage – tonight! Heehee!

Why are pretty girls dumb?

Beauty with intelligence is rare. There’s a wide gap between being pretty and being intelligent. Beautiful girls have learned that they can get whatever they want by using their looks; even the ones with the potential to be intelligent rarely bother to develop it. They have invested their time cheerleading rather than studying; reading Cosmopolitan and Glamour magazines rather than Times or even a ‘political correct’ magazine like Vanity Fair. This is, in many ways, a function of human culture which values the appearance of a woman more than her brains. So the typical girl neglects her brains and only increases her knowledge on lipsticks, perfumes, and lingerie which she believes is the whole essence of being female. Such a trade-off usually comes with devastating effects in the future because by neglecting her brains and increasing only her attractiveness she narrows her prospects in life to very unchallenging opportunities; also, intelligent men who are attracted to her will lose interest quickly enough. Of course, we have seen a healthy dose of intelligence that accompany some beautiful women, but truth is, you are not going to find her type lurking at every corner. She’s rare. But hey, men have no right to complain, no one ever comes with all the qualities required in life. As difficult as it is for brilliant men to find a complete woman, so it is for women searching to find the handsome dude with a good dose of emotional suaveness.

Why do women hate one another?

Women compete with each other at a societal level, the criteria for winning is usually set by others and the results are subjective and intangible. Women are usually judged by characteristics that they have little control over; something that they did not create, and that exist outside of themselves such as their physical appearance. A woman’s success is usually based on subjective, biased, external validation by others. No matter how successful she gets, she is going to hear outright remarks that drag all of her achievements to the mud just because she doesn’t exactly have the right butt size! How can you really be more beautiful than another woman, when the decision is nothing more than someone else’s opinion of beauty?

Most importantly, how can society continue to dictate to women what the standard of beauty is? Why should someone’s personal preference for a certain body size and shape, a particular eye colour or a fondness for light-skinned busty chicks make another woman feel less as a woman?

It is this need to get validation, most especially from men that drive women to the wall because they are repeatedly compared to other women in shallow ways that leave them (women) bitter, because unlike failure which can be worked on and a good result of success achieved after a while, beauty isn’t so easy to alter. If you are dark with a flat nose, big bones, flat chest and a butt as hard as rock, you cannot do much about it. That is where the hate comes – a woman accepts herself the way she is until society informs her that she is ‘ugly’, pointing to other women as examples of beauty that she can never attain.

Women are so busy competing with each other for male attention that they do not have the psychological, intellectual or emotional insight to change the social climate that is causing them to suffer from low-self esteem and hating on each other so much. And guess what; one of the reasons men who cheat are so successful at it is because women are in constant competition with each other!

Women believe that they are superior to other women if they are physically more attractive, not necessarily if they are more driven and successful. You hear women brag, “I am lighter, slimmer than my neighbour’s wife.”

A woman’s perception of self-worth is validated outside of her self from others and this affects her internal psychological concept of her own value as a human being. Women compete with other women because they have not learned how to recognize and channel their internal desires, feelings and goals into physical, tangible realities. Once women learn that they can not control or live vicariously through their children or the man in their life; they will stop hating each other so damn much and focus on their individual unique gifts, talents and assets.

What attracts a woman to a man?

Women want to be loved, it’s very simple. While all the physical attributes are a plus, and money is nice, what really matters is how a guy treats her. Money and muscles can fade away in time so you’ve got to have something more to keep her around. A man with some sort of a personality that is well-rounded is what most women are after.

Confidence is the single most important thing you can have on your side as a man – confidence backed with material headway in life. It’s going to be very difficult to get women to notice you, much less find you attractive if you have no confidence or aspiration. You can always do things to boost your confidence. Start by working on yourself, try to be a positive person and find humour in bad situations. Yes, women love men who know how to laugh at themselves.

And please do not confuse confidence with cockiness. Cockiness is dangerous, and while it may work for some guys – it doesn’t work for very long. Cocky guys enjoy putting others down to make themselves look good at another person’s expense. Any girl with a brain knows that a cocky guy is actually insecure and not worth wasting time on.

A sincere smile and the power of communication go a long way. Guys that are able to carry on a conversation are much more likely to get a girl’s number than someone who can’t. Be yourself when talking to a woman, and don’t be afraid to engage her friends in conversation as well. Coming right out and “hitting on” a girl is like shooting yourself in the foot. Talk to her as if you are friends with no pressure, you’re going to get her number much easier that way, and get her to like you sooner than later.

Why are girls looking for husbands only in churches these days?

Don’t they say nice guys go to church? We know how untrue that is these days as the church harbours all manner of people. But still, it just seems the proper place to seek a spouse. He might be in the choir on Sunday, and at the bar on Friday but the likelihood of you daydreaming of settling down with a man of reasonable spirituality is higher than the dude who is busy with half the girls in the club. So yes, women find the church boy good enough for marriage…but there is still something so desirable about that man who orders a Hennessey at the dark corner of the bar…

Why do girls like to move in groups?

We are a chatty lot, we love to talk. We love to share and we love to laugh. Society understands this and makes room for the girl-group. We hold hands, we kiss our cheeks and we flirt unashamedly with the harmless guy sitting alone because it’s just the way girls are!

BOKO HARAM ATTACKS AND THE WAY FORWARD BY OMOWOLE AGBOLADE

We live in a world where everyone thinks about himself or herself first, before thinking about others, which makes most of us egocentric. Of course, we all know that someone's toothache will pain him/her more than an earthquake in Japan that killed 30 persons.We love ourselves.


Do we really care about the bombing attacks of Boko Haram and how many people have died as a result, since the beginning of this year? Imagine the people who could no longer celebrate the Christmas on the 25th of December, 2011, because of the death of their loved ones. Some of those persons that have been untimely sent to their grave are young persons, with visions and prospects, and some are the bread winner of their family. It is very saddening. I wish to sympathize with the families of the victims of the bombing attacks. May the innocent soul of the Boko Haram’s bombing victims rest in peace.

Are we going to fold our hands and allow this insidious disease eat deeper into the fabric of our motherland? We can’t continue to watch innocent persons die like ‘cows.’ We need to find the way forward, and that is that is what I seek to achieve with this article.

Firstly, in solving a problem there is a need to clearly understand the nature and the origin of the problem. I have included a detailed historical background of the sect ‘Boko Haram’ in this text. The origin of the problem:

The group(Boko Haram)'s official name is People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad which is the Arabic translation of Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (جماعة أهل السنة للدعوة والجهاد).In the town of Maiduguri, where the group was formed in 2002, the residents dubbed it Boko Haram. Loosely translated from the local Hausa language, this means Western education is forbidden. The group earned this name due to its strong opposition to Western education, which it sees as corrupting Muslims.

The Boko Haram sect is a cub that has grown into a roaring lion that has not be curbed. The fact is, whatever you pet too much will become a pest. I mean the government of Nigeria have to accept the fact that Boko Haram’s bombings is a priority and then seek to curb the dangerous sect because we don’t know what might happen next.

Next issue here is the motivation of the group. People do what they do for a reason. Why the rampant bombings these days and when did the bombings start?

If we want to react based on how we feel about the death of innocent souls and resort to fighting, we may find ourselves moving in a circle. Rap artiste, MI, says it better in his words “Silence is the best answer, not violence.”

Going back to the motivation of the Dangerous sect, I think it is political, and I stand to be corrected. I think they have something up their sleeves. Boko Haram means western education is bad, which means that they are against western education, but their action speak otherwise. If they think that western education is bad, then why have they not being disturbing since their inception? Why now that we have some national issues like fuel subsidy on ground, and other cogent issues?).

As a Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner, I know that actions are better reflections of the state of the mind than words. This year alone, the sect have been responsible for killing 450 people (in the UN building and in the churches, among others) in Nigeria, so I see no correlation here with western education, and I stand to be corrected.

“On Tuesday February 8, 2011, Boko Haram gave conditions for peace. The radicals demanded that the Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, should step down from office with immediate effect and also allow members to reclaim their mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. On 9th May 2011 Boko Haram rejected an offer for amnesty made by the governor-elect of Borno state, Kashim Shettima” (Wikipeadia).

Again, I wish to state here that the group is politically motivated. It is crystal clear that this sect has a strong back up. How else can one explain their use of sophisticated ammunition like bombs, if they don’t have financial godfathers sponsoring their evil plots? Could it be that they seek to frustrate the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's administration? I strongly believe that this sect is up to something.

First, we looked at history of the sect, and second, we examined their motivation. Here I want to conclude by suggesting a way forward.

I am a life coach and I help people to solve their personal problems. Most times when people come to me, I find out that what people complain about are the symptoms. I use my initiative to discern the root course of the problem and provide solution.

The Boko Haram bombings could be symptoms to something deeper that has to be taken care of. Of course, violence is not the solution. The way forward is for our great president, His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to help us save innocent lives.

Dialogue is the key. Who are the people, the springboard from which the Boko Haram sect bounce out to wreak havoc, funding the activities of this sect and what exactly do they want? That should be the bone of (non-violence) contention.

This is not the time to accept anything that happens in good fate. This is not the time to fold arms and watch. This is not time for extreme analysis. Too much analysis will lead to paralysis. This is the time to take a bold step. This is the time to checkmate the activities of the Boko Haram. We can’t enter into a new year with the fear of Boko Haram.

‘Mr. President’, please dialogue with the sect that is behind the actions of the Boko Harams. We don’t want more people to die. There is little, almost nothing, that we can do than to support you with prayers to provide a lasting solution because everything rises and falls on leadership. It is a political challenge, so to speak, and you have to use a lot of wisdom here. May God Almighty give you the wisdom to dissolve and resolve this sect.


In all we do we have to acknowledge God. We can never tell what our little drops of water will contribute to restoring peace and unity in our country. There is nothing God cannot do. If you read this article to this point, then pray to God to help us, to guide us and to protect us (Nigerians).

Please, note that the purpose of this article is to discuss the way forward for Nigeria, and not to discriminate against anybody or any religion. I have made my conclusions based on my own personal study.

THE GRATITUDE CHANT

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THE GRATITUDE CHANT


As I flipped through the national daily

I concluded I have been ungrateful really

Beautiful faces, charming graces, ending up in the mortuary

Cranky crashes, burnt eye lashes ,losing a loved one yet another obituary I don’t have to be a movie star like Genevieve

In order to be grateful for what he made me achieve

My heartbeat hasn’t stopped for a second

I doff my hat to the mayor of the world, more precious than diamond



Yes the drama of life is a trauma

You just lost your job and your hummer

She just broke your heart and all you do is stammer

You just sow the seeds of gratitude like a farmer

Through the fire he will be with you and take you higher

Open your mouth, tell him you are grateful

Count your blessing, even when your bank account ain’t full

For the miracle of sleeping and waking up

Its only you I will praise non stop

To you I dedicate this verse

A FEW TIPS FOR NEW ARTISTS BY ELDEE THA DON

A FEW TIPS FOR NEW ARTISTS By eLDee The Don







eLDee the don
eLDee The Don founded Trybesmen that introduced rapper Fr3style, Sasha, Oladel, 2 Shotz, KB et al; a veteran hit producer; singer; rapper; video director and record label owner. He writes:

1. Record a good song, Sample opinions from a bunch of people (friends & strangers alike) and be sure at least 60% or more like the song.

- Most artists believe they have a great song just because they enjoyed making it or because one or two people have been nodding to the beat but that’s never enough to determine if your song will be commercially successful. You have to sample the ears of your target audience. Have your friends play the music for people who don’t know you and get feedback from them because those are the ones most likely to give you a candid opinion. Your sister won’t tell you your song is wack,..well, unless she’s really mean…lol. Make sure you sample the opinion of up to 100 different people within your target audience range. If the feedback you get is not positive from more than half of them, you may need to go back to the drawing board.

Some say “..ah its expensive to record, where will I get money?”, I say if you can’t stand the heat, get the #**# outta the kitchen. Music is not for everyone. If this is truly your passion, you will find a way. Get a job, do something to earn money, save the money until you have enough. If begging is your way, sheeee, beg your way through it. The “no money” excuse is old and boring. If Vocal slendercould work his way through the dumpsites of Lagos to get studio money, what are you whining about?

2. Prepare yourself as a product. Work on your image and be sure ure “attractive” to the average person that comes across you or your music.

- This is highly underrated and it is very important that you pay attention. Image is EVERYTHING in entertainment. Don’t be fooled by those who say otherwise. You must look the part, otherwise people wont take you as seriously as they should. As an artist, you are a brand, a product, especially in these parts, people will try to place value on how much they believe you are worth by the way you present yourself. You should make an extra effort to be of your best looks and composure, ALL the time. Spend a little extra time on simple details to ensure people see you as a brand they would love to be affiliated with, otherwise you have a much tougher time selling yourself to potential sponsors or employers down the line. Proper branding helps you stand out in the crowd.

3. Get ready to perform. Create performance routines; find an exciting way to deliver your song to any audience that will leave an impression.

- If you have access to a band, begin to learn to perform with one. If your act isn’t one that needs a band, figure out what you can do to get people excited when they see you live. Create a performance routine that is unique and fun to watch. Do whatever you need to, dance, swag it out, circus tricks, whatever works. With each performance your goal is to win more fans.

4. Create an EPK (Electronic press kit), which includes good photos, a bio and your music. Make sure it’s of a size that can be sent as an email

- Making your own EPK should be viewed as a necessity for any artist or band that is serious about becoming successful in presenting themselves professionally. An EPK is the best way to give anyone a quick glance at you, your music and your story. You can create one FOR FREE with the average desktop publishing software or with the numerous free services available on the Internet.

5. Once u are SURE your song is good to go, make as many copies of your CD as possible. I’d say at least 1,000 (Make sure your CD art has your info)

- There are many duplication options. I advice you raise money and pay for a professional replication plant to give you 1000 copies of your CD. The typical cost is between N40,000 and N100,000 for 1000 CDs and sleeves depending on who you chose to use. Always shop around for the best price before you decide. 1000 CDs seem like a lot until you start giving them out. Trust me, you’re better off with more than you need than less.

6. Create a myspace, twitter, facebook fan page, reverbnation and upload your EPK to each of them including your song, photos, bio etc.

- Make sure you have at least a facebook (artist fanpage, not a regular account) and twitter account, most of the fans you are trying to reach are already there. I suggest you get a reverbnation page as well; it helps you upload your music and has a nice integration with your facebook fanpage. When you are done creating these pages, these are the links you send to people to check out your music, and read about you.

7. Make a list of radio stations within your reach. I advice that u start with regional promo. It’s easier to manage. Nationwide can come later

- This is easy. Listen to your radio, write down the dials where music is being played, find out where the stations are all located and make note of the OAPs (On-air-personalities) that play on each radio station and at what time. This will help you build your “hit-list” when you begin distributing your CDs. If you know everyone that is on the air, you can ensure that they all have your music and all you have to work on is getting them to play it all the time.

8. Make a list of the nightclubs and places where music is played publicly within your reach. Again, regional promo is easier to manage.

- Same as above, know all the clubs, bars and hangout spots in your city. Try to have them all written down so that you can ensure they all have your material when you begin your promo.

9. Make a list of DJs and Radio personalities within your reach.

- Self-explanatory. Same as above.

10. Every entertainment journalist that has a column in a magazines or newspaper has an email address. Make a list of all of them.

- Get all the newspapers, magazines and entertainment publications you can lay your hands on. Most of them have an entertainment column and the journalist’s emails are usually listed. These are the guys you want to send your EPK to first. If they like you and your music, you can get mention in an article or two. It’s also good that they know who you are when they see you at events or listen to you on the radio. If the print media journalists are not familiar with you, they’re unlikely to write about you.

11. Get all this lists you have compiled together and create a realistic timeline of how long it will take to contact everybody.

- Get a book and write everything down. Determine those you can email, those you should meet one on one, and those you should have your manager or friends talk to. Then draw up a timeline for the promo. You should never stop doing promo for a song even if the song is doing well so you will need to contact all those on your list regularly. Make sure you plan properly and ensure that you’re not spending all your time and resources with only a few of them. You must spread the love so as to get more coverage. I made an example of an artist whose song is on heavy rotation on a particular station but you barely even hear it on others. That is very ineffective promotion because everybody is not listening to just that one station. There maybe more than 20 radio stations in Lagos alone. If your song is not playing on 15 of them, you have work to do.

12. Create an email address and in the signature section, include all your twitter, facebook, reverbnation info and link to your song.

- This is important because every time you send out an email, you have room to advertise yourself,…why not??!

13. Send your EPK to every contact on your list that you can reach via email and start booking appointments for the ones u cant reach.

- The work begins. Take your time, be patient as most OAPs and radio DJs are very busy individuals. You may not be able to see who you wish to when you wish to but you must be persistent with reaching out.

14. Get your CDs to all the Radio DJs, club DJs, bars, Night clubs, Radio stations, Radio personalities, and everyone on your list.

- You want to be sure every authority in music has a copy of your CD.

15. Start your online campaign; start building your fan base by sending your music to people. Do everything in your power for ppl to listen.

- Send messages to friends; get people to “like” your fan page. Follow and get followers on twitter so that you are able to reach all your followers with just one tweet. Paste links for people to listen to your music and encourage people to “retweet” on twitter or “share” on facebook. This part takes some time to build but if people are digging your song, your fan-base can grow quite rapidly.

16. The goal is to get as many fans as possible, do whatever it takes to get people to listen to your music. If people like it, ure good to go

- Being “good to go” means you have been able to cross the first hurdle which is getting people to listen to your music. The rest of it lies with whether they like it or not and how well you’re able to follow-up now that you’ve got their attention.

17. If you follow those steps, & people like your music, you’re sure to get the music across to millions of fans over time. It won’t happen overnight though.

- Once your CD is at the radio stations, start getting your fans, friends and family to call into the radio stations, requesting the song. If you are aggressive enough, even if your music is nonsense, they will have to satisfy their listeners and play your song. Please note that I am not asking you to spam people to death…lol. Most radio stations have a facebook page and they have request shows where they ask facebook fans to make requests, when its request time, get your friends and fans to go to their timelines and request the hell out of your song. Please be careful not to become a nuisance. One message per person is adequate.

Well,…I hope these tips help.

- By eLDee The Don.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The Poor always suffer more from the weakness of The Rich than their wickedness.

In every economy of the world the rich will always promise the poor more money and power but to be cornered again by the rich.

The one power no man can take from you is the "Power Within". If you have it, you can steer the wheel of your own destiny."

Do not lose your faith.|
-------------
Authored & Signed
TyloR
www.meetylor.com

FELA DUROTOYE BARES HIS MIND

Since I got back into Nigeria yesterday, I have heard some preposterous arguments that the removal of the fuel subsidy will be justified by wise investments that will benefit all. My response has been...How will a wasteful government suddenly realize the genius of prudence and making the right investment decisions simply bcs there is more money available from oil subsidy removal? Will there be less graft & bribes involved in process of issuing the road contracts or power contracts? Have we sought to honestly find every way we can plug wastage in our leaking economy before we ask a feeble populace to carry the burden of corruption and gross ineptitude of a gluttonous few? Have the Presidency, the State & Local Governments and the Legislature discovered how to travel without a convoy of 20 cars to the airport? Can the occupiers of these lofty positions act in honour as Barack Obama did in 2010 when he got every member of his cabinet to take a pay cut, starting with himself?

Within his first few days as British Prime Minister, David Cameron led the austerity cuts (upon his assumption) by cutting down his convoy to 2 cars and one outrider. The Members of Parliament in Britain are now only allowed 3rd class train tickets on official travel (as opposed to their traditional first class train ticket allowances). The Mayor of London now rides a bicycle to work. Leadership by example!!! How come our 'leaders' in government earn so much and still spend so much furnishing the same houses and offices they furnished with our money last year? Do you furnish your office every year? Why should the President, Governor or Senate President? Wasteful leadership cannot make prudent investments!!!!! Q.E.D The change we need is not just policy. Its in the quality of mind and persons at policy making positions. That said, how will we effectively deliver sustainable desired-change? History has taught us that governments increase fuel prices, the people fight, students riot, labour unions strike, and then after a couple of weeks, the government reduces the price but never to its original price...and everyone feels like a winner, but the poor know and experience the reality of the loss. Then we start the cycle all over again with another administration. God bless everyone who has stood up against this unjust policy. I salute everyone who has risked their lives to Occupy Nigeria with the message that Enough is Enough. This is only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. The real Nigerian spring is going to be in April 2015.

WE NEED A CRITICAL MASS OF NEW NIGERIANS TO TAKE HOLD OF EVERY LEVEL OF POLICY MAKING POSITIONS BY 2015. Not a few good men and women whose voices will get drowned in the cacophony of mediocrity. Let our brightest and best brains begin serious preparations NOW. Don't wait till 2014 to decide you want to make a change by running for office in 2015. It will be too late if you don't start NOW!!!! As we keep up the pressure of PEACEFUL, NON-VIOLENT PROTESTS through all channels, let another set of emerging leaders (with a heart for the nation and a love for the people) arise and begin to prepare for 2015. We must encourage, train, mentor and empower the right people to go where few dare. I have committed my life to raise and prepare as many exemplary leaders of excellence to take over the various policy making positions at all levels of governance (federal, state and local)- executive and legislative.
Even when 'they' back down on the fuel subsidy removal, (only because they need the banks to reopen so they can cash some of their billions or so that the airports can reopen so their children can travel back abroad to continue their education), don't let us be deceived again into submission and celebrate the illusion of victory. Until we change the quality of people in policy-making positions, we won't yet have real and lasting victory. Don't get it twisted... The 2015 elections is going to be the opportunity for the real Nigerian Spring.

The real question is ...Will we be ready to bring the real change we've always desired with the same zeal and fervor as we show now? Please don't let today's passion die tomorrow. The struggle continues today, tomorrow and forever. We WILL deliver the future! God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. FD

THE UNFORGETTABLE RECEPTION..Reception in my decade..By Tayo Adejumo

The sought after event management guru Tayo Adejumo of Gb&Godyva Events shares her thoughts on how to plan that unforgettable wedding reception.Here we go!

Gone are the days when receptions are boring and its all about food and cake, in my decade its about fashion statements, detailing, and fun.
In 2011 new trends are setting in, there are tons n tons of reception ideas, I will discuss some.

1) Champagne/ Crystals Wedding Theme :Pop the cork and unleash a bubbly-themed bash.
Nothing says celebration like popping open a bottle of bubbly. But the sparkling stuff wasn't always a toasting favorite. In fact, when a Benedictine monk named Dom Pérignon made wine in the 17th century, he was horrified to discover that the blends he and his fellow monks created had bubbles (which were considered a sign of bad wine making). Dom Pérignon was actually desperate to fix the "mad wine," but (luckily for us) the fizzy stuff became a big hit with pleasure-loving French royals—and the bubbly we know and love was born. Pairing bubbly with Crystals will give your reception a rich and unique wedding. Bubble machine on the dance floor, ushers clad in an elegant evening dresses, red grapes, kiwi, strawberry with a Chocolate fountain to thrill your guests even more. 

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2) Going Asian: this reception is fabulous to any bride, everything from the decor to the meal to the ushers are asian style. Hall is decorated with paper lanterns in fancy colors, the ushers dressed up as geishas, meals are 100% Continental. Fortune cookies are well placed on the table as part of favors for your guest. Asian wedding is seriously vibrant, looking at all the colorful clothing, dancing and modern decor.
I adore this reception idea and really love that the Asian culture has so many interesting traditions, customs and symbolic events. Like live drum music, dancing, the groom arriving on a horse, and the bride being carried away.

3. After dark reception: usually wedding reception follows immediately after church, nikahi, registry service but this idea allows you and your guest to go home and rest for a bit and reception starts at 5pm, the decorations comes alive and more beautiful let's your wedding seem like a grammy kind of events, music will b subtle, along side a wonderful meal 3 or 4 course dinner according to your choice. Dance will b under a spotlight with confetti shimmering on top of the bride and groom. Stars can be projected on the ceiling giving you an out of this world feeling. Traffic will be no more after the event guest can get to their destination in peacefully without hassles and your wedding will be the perfect tale of an after dark reception.

STILL ON THE MATTER.....BY TOYOSI AKERELE

Why should Nigerian People believe the President and his cronies? Why Ever? GEJ said Subsidy removal will take effect from April 2011. NOI informed in previous Press discussions “we are still consulting; we don’t know when subsidy will be removed”. Our Jan 1 New Year Celebrations and Church Services were interrupted with the acrimonious news of “Petrol will now be N141”, a continuation of untold hardship which has become the daily testament of Nigerians in their majority. Why does GEJ and his Team lack Foresight and Methodology? A few of the FEC Members in GEJ’s Government are versatile eggheads while a sizeable chunk of them are misfits who have been politically compensated with critical positions that place them in strategic roles of authority where they erroneously take decisions that affect our Future as Young People of this Country. I watch Ministers and SAs deliver very colourless bland statements that lack neither tact nor spirit of sportsmanship. Some are too elitist and therefore lack a clear understanding of the dynamics of our rustic Nigerian System. If one isn’t schooled in Interpersonal Skills and Communications Competencies, it is advisable to either learn it or push forward a more sanguine intelligent fellow because a Government voted in by the People must respond to their aspirations and account to them.

President Jonathan needs to purchase some Courage off Mallam Sanusi, Sanusi needs to be guided by his Conscience and Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala needs to wake up and smell the inflammable “petrol” brewing in our Nation at this time. Given our current circumstances as a Nation forestalled by Economic Instability, acute Failure of Leadership at Federal, State and Local Government Levels, I consider the Removal of Fuel Subsidy a deliberate attempt to extinguish our generation and Nigerians as much as I suspect that this Government is Battle ready considering their humiliating silence and resolution to ignore the clamour and protests that have occurred in the last 2 days. Eni bi omo oran lo n pon o. Ohun oju wa loju n ri. GEJ ti o ni oogun arinya, to lo gbe aayan mi. I am sitting on the sidelines not the Fence praying assiduously that a bloody war doesn’t emanate from this. Nigerian People are angry and our ire is justified. By the way, where is Sambo the VP in all of these and how come only Dull Ministers speak for the Government or are those the best of a worst Cabal?

Culled from Toyosi's Facebook wall.

YOUNGSTER OF THE WEEK..TOCHI EZE

YOUNGSTER OF THE WEEK
TOCHI EZE,TEAM LEADER,SELAH INSPIRATIONAL

"I have made a deliberate decision to live a life of significance and not just to be a statistic". -Tochi Eze

In a country where hope is being lost about the future on a daily basis, Tochi Eze is a Young Nigerian damsel who is living her dreams inspite of the prevailing Nigerian saga.She gives us hope snatching victory from the jaws of defeat,making change happen in a land where people are used to the statusquo.She speaks with M.O.V.E WITH KENNY.Here is the interview:

BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
Purposeful, Passionate and Pragmatic;
Tochi Eze is a gifted writer and a seasoned speaker, on a quest for change and with a message of Hope; as a firm believer in the wealthy resource of man's potential, she runs with a mission to inspire people to become all that God has created them to be.
She is the founder and President of Selah Inspirational, a social enterprise whose core objective is centered on youth empowerment and Nation Building. She is firmly committed to the project of equipping, enhancing, empowering and educating young people within Africa and beyond, to rise above the norms of mediocrity to achieve land mark success for sustainable global relevance.
She is a personal effectiveness consultant.

WHY THE PASSION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Life is essentially about the fulfillment of Purpose and every person is singularly and uniquely wired for a specific assignment. The passion to make a difference came with my quest to manifest the divine wisdom behind my existence. I have come to realize a truth; that mankind has been invested with enormous potential for Greatness and to this end I have made a deliberate decision to live a life of significance and not just to be a statistic.




WHAT DRIVES YOU?
God is my driving force; knowing Him has propelled me to relevance more than all other factors culminatively combined. He is the giver and sustainer of Dreams, and He bears the record of nurturing the world’s greatest achievers in the history of time.

Love is also my driving force, I am committed to my conscience and it is committed to the cause of the people. Love for humanity and all that man can be drives me to heed the call of posterity and help the plight for humanity by applying all the resources at my disposal including the use of my gifting and skills to make a difference.
Thirdly, my personal experience drives me, the limitations that informed my childhood life has been a tremendous source of inspiration, it buttresses the fact that no one is with a valid enough excuse not to be successful. If I can rise above the prevailing circumstances and problems then so can anybody else.




HOW CAN THE YOUTH BE PART OF THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW NIGERIA?
Statistically, Nigerian youths comprise of about 70 % of the Nigeria population. We share a common factor that binds us together which is our age group and yet we are the most neglected sect of the society. There is no doubt that little has been given by the government and other stake holders on the development of the youths and the simple truth is that the quality and behavior of a youth is a reflection of the future of that Nation.
Notwithstanding, we are without excuse, my solution to the National youth saga is captured in this phrase ‘personal responsibility’.
As youths, the only way we can inform and partake of the emergence of the Nigeria of our dreams is by taking up personal responsibility for the change we seek, it is up to us to take up the mantle of Leadership prescribed to us from childhood. this will be sought for on the platform of personal development and personal leadership. We will fight the war of our desired future by equipping ourselves with the weapon of knowledge. Personal development is a tool we must embrace to adequately empower ourselves for the battle ahead.

WHAT LED YOU TO START SELAH INSPIRATIONAL?
Selah Inspirational was inspired by a burden I have had for several years now to ease people from the pain of hopelessness and empower them to discover the riches of their potential. It started on a previous platform called ‘my success story’ where I would use my writing skills for motivational messages designed to inspire people. Over time, I decided to legalize the platform, broaden the scope of operations and increase the base of our target reach




HOW FAR DO YOU WANT TO TAKE SELAH INSPIRATIONAL?
The question is not how far, because by the grace of God, I intend to take Selah inspirational all the way. I see us attaining global impact and attracting government participation. Our platforms which are unique and constantly evolving will no doubt produce men and women of great minds with innovative and enterprise solutions.
More than a platform, we are also a process for the grooming of necessary values and virtues for sustainable relevance.




WHAT IS YOUR FORTH COMING EVENT ABOUT?
On Saturday the 28th January 2012, Selah Inspirational will be holding the First Edition of her LIFE ENHANCEMENT SERIES. Theme is ‘ BUILDING AND SUSTAINING GLOBAL RELEVANCE; A CASE FOR THE NIGERIAN YOUTH’. It is essentially a talk shop and networking platform, young people from various industries will be coming together to learn how to negotiate their desired futures by applying certain principles.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU SEE IT MAKING?
This is not the usual minimal effective motivational seminars, because at the end of the day there will be action points that will be arrived at and a structure is being put in place to follow up attendants’ progress plan. This will essentially widen the scope of event impact.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?
As far as I am concerned, success must be measured within the parameters of impact and not income. Success in itself is relative, to some it is fame and fortune while to others it is peace and fulfillment. To me, success is discovering why you are here on earth and striving hard to achieve that purpose. Once this is done, then fortune and fulfillment will follow.


DETAILS OF THE EVENT
The event is ABSOLUTELY FREE, it will feature guest speakers in the person of Mrs. Adebola Deji-Kurunmi (Chief catalyst; Dreams and the Future) and Chinedu Chidi( Debater of the year 2010)
VENUE: RCCG (finger of God parish), No 10, Morris street, by yabatech second gate, Abule Ijesha, Yaba.
It is a 2hrs 30 minutes event and start time is 12 noon prompt.
To participate, log on to www.selahinspirational.com to register and reserve a seat. Limited space available.

FINAL WORDS:
Love God, Love Life and Love People!!!